Goalkeeper Brice Samba could make a shock departure from Nottingham Forest ahead of the club’s Premier League return.
The 28-year-old is entering the final 12 months of the four-year contract he penned when he made the move to the City Ground from Caen in 2019. And he is reported to have told the Reds he will not be signing a new one.
According to The Athletic, Samba has informed Forest he “intends to leave” this summer. Fresh terms are said to have recently been put forward, but were deemed to be “unacceptable” by the shot-stopper.
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Samba has been a key figure for the Reds during his time on Trentside, and has also developed into a fans’ favourite. He was at the heart of the team’s successful promotion charge under Steve Cooper during the season just gone, being the hero of the hour in the semi-final second leg against Sheffield United.
The report claims his decision to reject Forest’s offer of a new deal “and reluctantly seek an exit” is not financially motivated “but about respect for his achievements, importance and popularity at the City Ground”. If they cannot change his mind, the Reds would have a call to make over whether to try to get a fee for Samba this summer or see him walk away for free in a year’s time.
The Athletic add: “Forest told The Athletic that talks are taking place and it is understood they remain determined to keep hold of a highly-regarded member of their squad. That view is shared by Cooper, who has an excellent relationship with Samba.”
The Reds also currently have Ethan Horvath and academy graduate Jordan Smith on the books. And they have been linked with Burnley custodian Nick Pope, who is said to be valued at about £40m.
